The Wanderer
Yacca Lookout, Willow Springs Station
WHEATBELT REGION
Western Australia is without a doubt our nation’s poster child when the conversation turns to wildflower hotspots. The state hosts a mindboggling 12,000 wildflower species across a region that extends from the Pilbara in the north, inland as far as Kalgoorlie, and to the south coast towns of Esperance and Albany. The Wheatbelt region behind Geraldton and Cervantes includes the towns of Moora, Morrawa, Mullewa, Mingenew, Perenjori and Wubin. This is the best place to see the famed carpets of everlastings and wreath flowers, and to explore walking trails dedicated to seeing wildflowers. The rugged gorges and riverbanks inside Coalseam Conservation Park deliver an eye-popping feast of everlastings, banksias, hakeas and grevilleas, as well as stellar wildlife watching opportunities. As the year progresses, head south to the forest and parklands around Margaret River then continue on towards the Southern Forests and the Stirling Ranges, where more than 1500 species of wildflowers include more than 100 different orchid varieties.
STAY
VISIT
September–November
INFORMATION
westernaustralia.com
Wildflowers in WA’s Coalseam Conservation Park
RIVERINA
Come springtime, the Coolamon, Temora and Junee shires north of Wagga Wagga in New South Wales slip on their Sunday best with a vivid display of flowering canola crops readying for harvest. While canola isn’t strictly a wildflower, a highly photogenic loop — called the Canola Trail — connects the three farming towns and encourages visitors to check out a variety of local attractions, including Junee’s grand 19th-century railway station and roundhouse museum. While you’re in town, don’t miss the chance to stock up at the Liquorice and Chocolate Factory, while lovers of the paranormal should join a tour of the Monte Cristo Homestead that’s said to be the most haunted house in Australia. Enjoy a selection of handcrafted platters at Coolamon Cheese, while the Aviation Museum showcases one of the best collections of ex-military aircraft in the country in Temora — the birthplace of legendary harness racer Paleface Adios.
STAY
VISIT
September is generally best
INFORMATION
canolatrail.com.au
Aerial overlooking the canola fields in Temora
GRAMPIANS RANGES
Victoria was once known as ‘The Garden State.’ Since one-third of Victoria’s wildflowers are found in the Grampians National Park, it should therefore come as no surprise to learn that it was once described as ‘the garden of Victoria’ — by the Melbourne Botanic Garden’s first director, no less. Dedicated locals have been running the Grampians Wildflower Show each spring since 1937. The event includes guided walks and educational displays that make ideal viewing before you get out and about on your own trails of discovery. Heatherlie Quarry, Mount Zero and Mount Stapylton all come highly recommended in the ranges’ northern section. Acacias bloom in the Wartook Valley from early September. A sea of yellow surrounds the ranges in the form of flowering canola fields. The hiking is some of the best in the state, with lookouts such as Boroka and the Balconies offering magnificent views. Wineries, breweries and plenty of delicious local produce will satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.
STAY
VISIT
September–December
INFORMATION
visitgrampians.com.au
Mount William in Victoria’s Grampians National Park
GIRRAWEEN NATIONAL PARK
Three hours’ drive west of Brisbane, close to the border town of Wallangara, there’s a national park whose name means ‘place of flowers’ and is home to more than 700 native species. The show starts early in Girraween National Park, with golden wattle trees flowering in July against a scenic backdrop of granite boulders and outcrops. But the shows really ramp up in September and October, when pea flowers, native sarsaparilla, bluebells and banksias bloom in a cornucopia of colours, attracting butterflies, honeyeaters and lyrebirds. In summer, flannel flowers, bottlebrushes, paperbarks and eucalypts are on parade. Walking trails and 4WD tracks cross the park, with opportunities for fishing and swimming as well.
STAY
VISIT
September–January
INFORMATION
southernqueenslandcountry.com.au
Bunyeroo Valley in the Flinders Ranges
FLINDERS RANGES
Spring is inarguably the most picturesque season for visiting South Australia’s Flinders Ranges. It can get very dry here at other times of the year when barren salt lakes prevail. Some winter rains certainly help the soils spring to life while simultaneously turning dry creek beds into flowing streams. The Flinders Ranges stretch for 430km from south to north, starting not far outside Adelaide before continuing on to Arkaroola in the Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park.
Bunyeroo Valley Lookout in the Flinders Ranges
Around Ikara, or Wilpena Pound — easily the most popular area to visit — fields are blanketed in the dreaded Paterson’s Curse at this time of year. Also called Salvation Jane or Riverina bluebell, it is a noxious weed that flowers in spring, creating a purple haze across upturned soils. While toxic, it nevertheless adds a colourful palette to the landscape that isn’t dissimilar to a Monet masterpiece. Mount Remarkable is located near the southern end of the Flinders Ranges, 45km north of Port Pirie. Here you’ll fi nd the most gorgeous display of native wildflowers, including populations of threatened orchids. Walking trails reach the summit of Mount Remarkable and pass through Alligator Gorge. The historic town of Melrose that sits at the foot of the mountain makes a lovely stopover. Grab a meal and a drink at one of two cosy pubs in town. The caravan park on Willochra Creek also marks the starting point for a network of mountain bike trails.
STAY
VISIT
September–October
INFORMATION
parks.sa.gov.au
Barnbougle Dunes Golf Links
BRIDPORT WILDFLOWER RESERVE
Tasmania is certainly no stranger to wildflowers. In summer, the highland regions come alive with red hot pokers, pink boronias and Christmas bells. In spring, coastal regions light up with wattles and aromatic kunzeas. An hour’s drive north-east of Launceston, Bridport Wildflower Reserve is set ablaze with pink and white flowering heaths, running postman, waxlip orchids and wedding bushes. There are also spectacular grass trees. Part of the Granite Point Conservation Area, the reserve covers a 50-hectare area that’s accessible on foot. Keep your eyes peeled for eastern-barred bandicoots and spotted-tail quolls. Nearby at Barnbougle, keen golfers shouldn’t miss the chance to play a round at two world-class courses.
STAY
VISIT
September–October
INFORMATION
northeasttasmania.com.au
Barnbougle Dunes
Category: Destinations
Written: Wed 01 Sept 2021
Printed: September, 2021
Published By:
Tourism Offices